Who says healthy food has to be boring? I believe the most nourishing meals are also the most exciting. This Zesty Lemon Rice Soup with Chicken is a vibrant hug in a bowl, packed with bright flavor and real goodness. If you love a creamy, ranch-infused twist, you must try my Zesty Ranch Chicken Tortilla Soup.
It’s my go-to recipe when I need something that feels both comforting and invigorating. Think of it as a sunny, Greek-inspired hug. It’s based on the classic avgolemono, but I’ve made it my own with a few simple, healthy twists.
This soup is a true weeknight hero. It comes together in one pot and fills your kitchen with the most amazing, citrusy aroma. Let’s make a pot of this feel-good magic together.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Why This Dish is Secretly Good for You
This soup is so much more than just a tasty meal. Every spoonful is working hard to nourish your body from the inside out. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel truly cared for.
The lemon juice is a fantastic source of vitamin C. This helps support your immune system, which is why many call it a great flu fighter.
The chicken and eggs provide high-quality, lean protein. This helps keep you full and satisfied, and it’s essential for repairing your body. The rice gives you gentle, energizing carbs to fuel your day.
Together, these simple ingredients create a powerful, balanced meal. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.
My Favorite “Healthy Swap” Ingredients
I love finding easy ways to make classic recipes even better for us. This soup is already pretty wholesome, but a couple of smart choices can boost its nutrition. For another recipe that masterfully blends bold flavors with lean proteins, check out my Zesty Lime & Cilantro Chicken Shrimp Taco Soup.
First, I use a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. This lets you control the salt level perfectly. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Zesty Lemon Rice Soup with Chicken Recipe
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Zesty Lemon Rice Soup with Chicken Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Second, I often use leftover brown rice instead of white. It adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber. This swap makes the soup even more hearty and sustaining.
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sunny soup. You probably have most of it already!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, see note)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or poached breasts)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
This method is all about building layers of flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy, zesty soup every single time.
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 8 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until it smells amazing. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf and rice. Bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through for a few minutes. Then, remove the pot from the heat. Take out the bay leaf and discard it.
- Now, for the magic step! In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously until frothy. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the fresh lemon juice. This tempers the eggs so they won’t scramble.
- Very slowly, whisk about 2 cups of the hot broth from the soup into the egg-lemon mixture. This slowly raises their temperature. Then, slowly pour this tempered mixture back into the big pot of soup, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the fresh dill. Taste the soup and season it well with salt and pepper. The lemon will be bright and zesty. Serve immediately while it’s wonderfully warm.
How to Meal Prep This for the Week
This soup is a meal prep superstar. Making a big batch means you have healthy lunches or dinners ready in a flash all week long.
Let the soup cool completely before storing. Portion it into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
The rice will continue to absorb broth as it sits. When you reheat it, just add a splash of water or extra broth to get it back to your perfect soupy consistency. Gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat.
Nutrition Notes
This information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings. Remember, it will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth. Instead of shredded chicken, try adding a can of drained white beans or chickpeas for protein. The lemony broth is so flavorful it will be delicious.
My soup turned out a bit thin. How can I thicken it?
No problem! If you prefer a thicker soup, make a quick slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering soup after you add the chicken and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Then proceed with the egg and lemon step.
Can I freeze this lemon rice soup?
I don’t recommend freezing this particular soup. The egg and lemon mixture can separate and become grainy when frozen and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days. For freezing, I suggest making the broth, rice, and chicken base without the eggs and lemon, then adding that fresh when you reheat. If you’re looking for a fantastic soup that freezes beautifully, my Skinny Chicken & Shrimp Taco Soup with Cauliflower Rice is a perfect, low-carb option.
I truly hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and bright, and it proves that healthy food can be the most exciting food on your table.
Making a pot of this soup is an act of kindness for yourself and your loved ones. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with ingredients that make you feel your best. Now, go enjoy that zesty, nourishing bowl!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please leave a comment and a rating below!
